Veteran Long Snapper Hopes to Extend KU Career

Rino Monteforte looks to make more memories in his final season with the Jayhawks.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:34am

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Long snapper Rino Monteforte received his first Division I scholarship offer from the University at Buffalo in 2019 after an impressive performance at one of the school's kicking camps. Now a veteran player for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, Monteforte is hoping to make more memories in his final season with the team.

Why it matters

Long snappers are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in special teams. Monteforte's journey from a camp standout to a veteran leader provides an inspiring story about perseverance and making the most of opportunities in college football.

The details

Monteforte first caught the attention of the University at Buffalo coaching staff in 2019 when he put on a 'masterful performance' at one of the school's kicking camps, according to former Bulls special teams coordinator Taiwo Onatolu. This led to Monteforte receiving his first Division I scholarship offer from Buffalo. He ultimately chose to attend the University of Kansas, where he has been the team's long snapper for the past three seasons.

  • Monteforte received his first Division I scholarship offer from the University at Buffalo on July 26, 2019.
  • Monteforte has been the long snapper for the University of Kansas Jayhawks for the past three seasons.

The players

Rino Monteforte

A veteran long snapper for the University of Kansas Jayhawks who is hoping to make more memories in his final season with the team.

Taiwo Onatolu

The former special teams coordinator for the University at Buffalo, who was impressed by Monteforte's performance at a kicking camp in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“He was unbelievable.”

— Taiwo Onatolu, Former Special Teams Coordinator, University at Buffalo

The takeaway

Monteforte's journey from a standout at a kicking camp to a veteran long snapper for the Jayhawks shows the value of perseverance and making the most of opportunities in college football. His story is an inspiration for other players who may be overlooked but are determined to make their mark on the field.